Richard Simmons Died from Accidental Blunt Traumatic Injuries, Medical Examiner Says

by CARA LYNN SHULTZ, CHARNA FLAM
August 23, 2024

The full medical examiner's report "will be ready" by Aug. 30, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said

Harry Langdon/Getty

Fitness icon Richard Simmons in 1992.

Richard Simmons died from blunt traumatic injuries, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office said in an Aug. 22 press release

The fitness icon was found in his home on July 13 by his longtime housekeeper after he reportedly felt dizzy after a fall and was pronounced dead on the scene by authorities

Simmons' death sparked an outpouring of messages from colleagues and fans alike, who remembered him as an "angel"

Richard Simmons’ official cause of death was the result of blunt traumatic injuries, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said in a Thursday, Aug. 22 press release. The manner of death was ruled as an accident.

Simmons fell on Thursday, July 11, and spent the following day in bed. On the morning of Saturday, July 13, he was found unresponsive on his bedroom floor. Authorities arrived and pronounced him dead on the scene. The next day, July 14, the deputy medical examiner concluded the examination at the Department’s Forensic Science Center.

Simmons' cause of death was certified on Aug. 22 and a full medical examiner's report will be ready by Aug. 30, the medical examiner's office said.

Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease was also a contributing condition to Simmons' cause of death.

Rodrigo Vaz/Getty

Richard Simmons in 2013.

The statement confirms what the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey, told PEOPLE in a statement on Aug. 21.

“This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner's office," Estey said. "The Coroner informed Lenny that Richard's death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor. The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed. The Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”

The fitness icon was found on July 13 by his longtime housekeeper, one day after celebrating his 76th birthday, Estey had confirmed to PEOPLE.

Although the Los Angeles Police Department said “there is no foul play,” officially determining the wellness guru’s death was deferred, due to additional testing.

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Earlier reports said that Simmons had felt dizzy following a fall in his home on July 12, and that he told his housekeeper that if he still felt ill, he might seek medical care the next day.

News of his death sparked an outpouring of messages from fans and colleagues alike.

Fellow fitness guru, and longtime pal, Denise Austin shared a tribute on Instagram, writing that her "heart is hurting."

Related: Diane Sawyer Recalls the Last Text Richard Simmons Sent Her — and the Classic Song He Quoted (Exclusive)

"I am heartbroken, as he is someone l have known and started the aerobics business with over 40 years ago," she wrote. "Every time we were together we had so much fun… filled with hugs, laughter and tears."

And Whose Line Is It Anyway's Greg Proops wrote on X, "Richard Simmons was a lovely man. Gracious and funny. Likely our most popular guest," he wrote, referencing Simmons’ June 2003 appearance on the show.

Courtesy Everett

In the late '80s, Richard Simmons launched his iconic fitness series, 'Sweatin' to the Oldies'

Over the course of his career, Simmons had produced more than 50 workout videos — including his memorable franchise, Sweatin’ to the Oldies, which sold more than 22 million copies — and advocated for portion control with top-selling meal plans like Deal-a-Meal.

He was widely beloved, but as his brother Lenny had told PEOPLE, "I don’t want people to be sad about my brother."

Related: Richard Simmons Said 'I Know People Miss Me' in Emotional Final Interview 2 Days Before His Death (Exclusive)

"I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help."

"So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life," Lenny told PEOPLE.

Simmons’ family rep, Estey, told PEOPLE, "The world has truly lost an angel."